One of the first wineries in Santa Barbara County, Au Bon Climat was essential in putting Santa Barbara Pinot Noir on the map worldwide. Founder and wine icon Jim Clendenen created an international reputation for stellar Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of character, balance, and longevity. By incorporating Old World winemaking in a New World wine region, the wines inherently carry their own signature but still resonate restraint and equilibrium. Hand-picked grapes are harvested at a sugar level that encourages the wine to age slowly.

The fruit is sourced from local, highly regarded vineyards including estate plantings at Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley where the winery resides, and Rancho La Cuna in the Los Alamos Valley. Multiple editions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced annually, most vineyard designated, that constantly earn high acclaim and scores in the mid-90s by noted wine critics. After 40 years, the winery continues to be at the top of its game.

Accolades abound. Most recently Au Bon Climat received Wine & Spirits Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Wineries of the World’ in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Today, Jim’s legacy continues with second generation Isabelle and Knox Clendenen at the helm along with Jim Adelman, Au Bon Climat’s winemaker for over 30 years.